Political Gossip Heats Up

There was a time when political figures were revered and idolized from afar. President Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were icons in both the political and cultural realms of American life, with President Kennedy’s boyish charm and easy charisma making him the epitome of the ideal all-American boy turned leader. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (or “Jackie O” as she came to be known) also set a similar ideal for women, with a polished, classic fashion sense and poised demeanor. 


In spite of the public’s love affair with the Kennedy clan, boundary lines still existed between the First Family and the rest of the country. We’ve come a long way since those days, and today we have grown accustomed to accessing detailed information about prominent political families. With media tools like Wikipedia providing educational and personal facts about politicians and the constant use of polioptics, political figures have become A-list celebrities. 


This phenomenon is illustrated in part through the LA Times’ political gossip blog, Ministry of Gossip. Although mainstream politicians like Barack Obama frequently appear on celebrity blogs for television appearances, the Ministry of Gossip blog is one of the only websites entirely devoted to chronicling the gossip in and around D.C. Recent post topics include Sarah Palin’s appearance at the Gridiron Club's 2009 winter dinner, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s soon-to-be expired term as governor of California and Chelsea Clinton’s engagement to Marc Mezvinsky. Even peripheral political figures like Chelsea Clinton’s fiance and Bristol Palin’s former boyfriend, Levi Johnston, have become popular on gossip blogs. Their proximity to the political families with whom we are infatuated makes them equally fascinating to us, providing an insider’s glimpse into the exotic lives of the rich and powerful. 


Although our society has rapidly moved into a period of instant gratification and constant access to celebrities, I wonder if humanizing politicians their families through gossip blogs is ultimately damaging. While Barack and Michelle Obama may be a loving, seemingly “normal” couple, they are still at the forefront of our political spectrum, representing America to nations across the globe. Is an entire blog devoted to their dog, Bo, really conducive to the sense of respect that the President of the United States should be receiving? In the same way that our professors’ profiles are not accessible to students on Facebook, I feel that snapshots from the President’s familial gatherings should remain private in order to maintain a respected position as our country’s leader.

While I know some would argue that, as voters, Americans are entitled to see and write about the inner workings of politicians’ daily lives, I feel that this attitude promotes a sense of comfort and familiarity that should be reserved for celebrities whose daily decisions do not affect the fate of our nation. 


-Sarah